Syed Sadatullah Hussaini, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, has expressed deep concern over the recent arrest of M.K. Faizy, National President of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Faizy was detained late Monday night at Delhi International Airport, an action that has sparked widespread outrage.
In a strongly worded statement, Hussaini described the arrest as part of an “alarming trend” of targeting leaders from religious minorities, opposition groups, and marginalized communities under the guise of financial investigations.
“We see this as a continuation of the broader suppression of political dissent,” he said, pointing to what he perceives as a pattern of selective enforcement by state agencies.
The ED’s arrest of Faizy follows a raid on his Kerala residence on 28 February, and comes amid allegations of money laundering linked to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI).
Hussaini criticized the timing and coercive nature of the arrest, noting that non-bailable warrants were issued after Faizy reportedly failed to respond to multiple summons.
“The manner of this action suggests an approach that appears more coercive than investigative,” he stated, questioning the fairness of the process.
Hussaini contrasted Faizy’s arrest with the apparent leniency shown toward groups engaged in hate speech and violent activities, which he claimed “continue to operate with impunity.”
He argued that this selective application of the law erodes public trust in India’s legal and democratic institutions and raises serious concerns about the misuse of state power for political ends.
“We condemn all forms of injustice, bias, and selective targeting of individuals and organizations,” Hussaini emphasized.
While acknowledging the need for due process in cases supported by concrete evidence, he urged that investigative actions must remain impartial and free from political influence.
“We demand a fair legal process for the SDPI National President, ensuring justice is served and visibly upheld in accordance with constitutional principles,” he added.
The arrest has already drawn sharp reactions from SDPI leaders and supporters, who have labeled it an act of “vendetta politics” aimed at silencing dissent.
Faizy, a prominent figure in the SDPI since its inception in 2009, has been a vocal critic of the government, particularly following the PFI’s ban in September 2022 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
“The arrest is nothing but part of vendetta politics to suppress the dissent and to oppress the political opponents,” said Mohammad Shafi, national vice president of SDPI.
SDPI workers across India protested, demanding the immediate release of their national chief.
“We strongly condemn the arrest of M.K Faizy, National President of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), by the Enforcement Directorate. This action appears to be a politically motivated attempt to suppress a legitimate democratic voice and intimidate those fighting against injustice and fascism. Such tactics undermine constitutional rights and freedoms. We demand his immediate release and an end to this unjust persecution,” read a statement by Students Islamic Organisation of India national secretary Yunus Mulla.
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